The photogram silhouettes are shadows of bees that once lived, and the large plates show the enormity of the issue, Colony Collapse Disorder. The purpose is to create greater awareness of the problem. Whenever possible, I work with local apiarists, having them speak on CCD and the importance of our pollinators.

CCD, which has been affecting hives since 2005, is devastating our pollinators. The causes are numerous including habitat loss, mites, and pesticides. 100% of the commercial almond crop in the U.S. is grown in California. The almonds are pollinated by mobile beehives, as are many crops. The loss of hives drives up the cost of pollination; this loss will have a decimating effect on our economy and our food supply. Other crops dependent on bees that could disappear are: apples, blueberries, cherries, avocados, cotton, oranges, grapefruit, cucumbers, etc… a nearly endless list.

Disappearance 19, 2014wet plate collodion photogram,20 x 20 inches

The photogram silhouettes are shadows of bees that once lived, and the large plates show the enormity of the issue, Colony Collapse Disorder. The purpose is to create greater awareness of the problem. Whenever possible, I work with local apiarists, having them speak on CCD and the importance of our pollinators.

CCD, which has been affecting hives since 2005, is devastating our pollinators. The causes are numerous including habitat loss, mites, and pesticides. 100% of the commercial almond crop in the U.S. is grown in California. The almonds are pollinated by mobile beehives, as are many crops. The loss of hives drives up the cost of pollination; this loss will have a decimating effect on our economy and our food supply. Other crops dependent on bees that could disappear are: apples, blueberries, cherries, avocados, cotton, oranges, grapefruit, cucumbers, etc… a nearly endless list.

Disappearance 22, 2014wet plate collodion photogram,20 x 20 inches

The photogram silhouettes are shadows of bees that once lived, and the large plates show the enormity of the issue, Colony Collapse Disorder. The purpose is to create greater awareness of the problem. Whenever possible, I work with local apiarists, having them speak on CCD and the importance of our pollinators.

CCD, which has been affecting hives since 2005, is devastating our pollinators. The causes are numerous including habitat loss, mites, and pesticides. 100% of the commercial almond crop in the U.S. is grown in California. The almonds are pollinated by mobile beehives, as are many crops. The loss of hives drives up the cost of pollination; this loss will have a decimating effect on our economy and our food supply. Other crops dependent on bees that could disappear are: apples, blueberries, cherries, avocados, cotton, oranges, grapefruit, cucumbers, etc… a nearly endless list.

Disappearance 23, 2014wet plate collodion photogram, 20 x 20 inches

The photogram silhouettes are shadows of bees that once lived, and the large plates show the enormity of the issue, Colony Collapse Disorder. The purpose is to create greater awareness of the problem. Whenever possible, I work with local apiarists, having them speak on CCD and the importance of our pollinators.

CCD, which has been affecting hives since 2005, is devastating our pollinators. The causes are numerous including habitat loss, mites, and pesticides. 100% of the commercial almond crop in the U.S. is grown in California. The almonds are pollinated by mobile beehives, as are many crops. The loss of hives drives up the cost of pollination; this loss will have a decimating effect on our economy and our food supply. Other crops dependent on bees that could disappear are: apples, blueberries, cherries, avocados, cotton, oranges, grapefruit, cucumbers, etc… a nearly endless list.

Nouveau, 2014Wet plate collodion chemigram,21 x 7 inches

In 1956 Pierre Cordier introduced the chemigram process, lenseless imagery that combines elements of painting and photography. The images are created by painting developer onto a sensitized surface, in this case a collodion tintype, and exposed to light. The majority of chemigrams are made on light sensitive paper either resist or non-resist based. As I continually explore the painterly qualities of wet plate collodion, I decided to remove imagery from my plates and pursue the abstract qualities of this medium.

— S. Gayle Stevens

Untitled 1, 2014Wet plate collodion chemigram,4 x 12 inches

In 1956 Pierre Cordier introduced the chemigram process, lenseless imagery that combines elements of painting and photography. The images are created by painting developer onto a sensitized surface, in this case a collodion tintype, and exposed to light. The majority of chemigrams are made on light sensitive paper either resist or non-resist based. As I continually explore the painterly qualities of wet plate collodion, I decided to remove imagery from my plates and pursue the abstract qualities of this medium.

— S. Gayle Stevens

Untitled 2, 2014Wet plate collodion chemigram21 x 7 inches

In 1956 Pierre Cordier introduced the chemigram process, lenseless imagery that combines elements of painting and photography. The images are created by painting developer onto a sensitized surface, in this case a collodion tintype, and exposed to light. The majority of chemigrams are made on light sensitive paper either resist or non-resist based. As I continually explore the painterly qualities of wet plate collodion, I decided to remove imagery from my plates and pursue the abstract qualities of this medium.